Family Fun


Whoever said, "There are two types of travel, first-class and with children," obviously hadn't been to Lexington. With unique horse and historic attractions as well as some unusual twists on family classics, the Bluegrass offers first-rate fun for visitors of all ages.

 

Horsing Around

Explore a big park for horse lovers. Lexington's Kentucky Horse Park is a great attraction for all ages. Youngsters will love the interactive exhibits at the museum, a parade of breeds called the Breeds Barn Show (daily, spring through fall at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and the wide-open spaces throughout the park. The holiday light show at the Horse Park, Southern Lights, is also a big hit with young visitors. Open year-round. 859-233-4303 or toll free at 800-678-8813.

Explore a little park for horse lovers. The life-size horse statues at Thoroughbred Park are also a big hit with young visitors. Perhaps it's because these statues of racing and grazing Thoroughbreds are so realistic they’ve supposedly spooked real horses. Parents can relax and let the youngsters pet, touch and even climb aboard--the statues are bronze, so they're very hardy (and don't kick or bite)! This is a favorite photo location. You can't miss this park at the corner of Midland and Main Street.

Get the saddle's-eye view. Several area stables offer scenic guided or unguided horseback rides for all levels of riders, including pony rides for younger children. Big Red Stables in Harrodsburg (859-734-3118) and Deer Run Stables in Madison County (615-268-9960) are open year round, weather permitting. Whispering Woods in Scott County (502-570-9663) is open March through November. Age requirements vary. The Kentucky Horse Park also offers trail rides spring through fall (859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813).

Bluegrass Note: If your youngsters want to see some equine youngsters, just take a drive through the countryside around Lexington in the spring. Thoroughbred foals are usually born February through June. By the way, all Thoroughbred horses celebrate their birthdays on the same day--no matter when they were born, each year's crop of foals officially turn 1 (becoming yearlings) the following January 1.

Museums and More

Get hands-on with science. Kids ages 12 and under in particular will enjoy the Explorium of Lexington, located in The Square. Nine galleries feature over 100 hands-on activities ranging from walking on the moon to enclosing yourself in a giant bubble. There's a special play area for toddlers. Open year-round. Closed on Mondays, except in the summer. 859-258-3253.

Take to the skies. Kids fly their own planes (simulated, that is!) and enjoy other interactive aviation exhibits at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, located at Blue Grass Airport. Two-day aviation camps are held in the summer for aspiring pilots ages 10 through 15. 859-231-1219.

See the stars. Future astronauts and other stargazers will love learning about our solar system and spaces beyond. The Living Arts and Science Center, located in downtown Lexington, has a planetarium. (859) 252-5222.

Bluegrass Note: Many Lexington hotels offer special values and packages for families. Ask when you make reservations!

The Great Outdoors

Hit the trails. Enjoy scenic hiking in the Kentucky River Palisades area at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a getaway just minutes from downtown Lexington. Plenty of kid-friendly special programs are offered, ranging from "insect walks" to stargazing. 859-272-6105.

Mellow out with a riverboat ride. Bring the kids to Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill (about a 45-minute drive south of Lexington via US 68) and discover everything from hiking and history to friendly farm animals. Aspiring sailors and nature lovers will enjoy the hour-long Kentucky River cruise aboard Shakertown's Dixie Belle paddle cruiser, which offers rides from May through October. 859-734-5411 or toll-free, 800-734-5611.

Paddle like a pioneer. Older children in particular will love a canoe excursion along Elkhorn Creek, a historic and scenic Bluegrass waterway. Have your own canoes? Put in at Oser Landing, Great Crossing Park or Cardome Park in Scott County, or rent a canoe by calling Canoe Kentucky at 502-227-4492.

Follow in the footsteps of frontier explorers. In May of 1775, William McConnell and company heard about the first battle of the American Revolution while camped out at a natural spring. In honor of the battle, they named their future settlement "Lexington," and the name stuck. The site, off Old Frankfort Pike, is now known as McConnell Springs. Kids will love the boardwalk across the wetlands in this urban oasis. (Stop by Crank & Boom Ice Cream in the nearby Distillery District after your hike for an extra treat.)

Go fish (or pedal boating). While the younger children are enjoying the Creative Playground at Lexington's Jacobson Park, anglers in the group can cast their lines into the park's 47-acre lake (fishing license required for over 16). In the summer you can explore the lake in a rented pedal boat--kids under 16 will require a chaperone.

Do something wild. Although the closest full-fledged zoos are in Louisville and Cincinnati, you can see an interesting variety of native Kentucky animals at the Salato Wildlife Education Center, on U.S. 60 near Frankfort (west of Lexington), the home of deer, wild turkey, bison, elk and bald eagles. There are also snakes and aquariums full of native fish species, along with other nature-oriented exhibits. 502-564-7863 or 800-858-1549.

See some rock stars. Forget the ear plugs--we're talking about massive limestone bridges. These fascinating rock formations are part of the reason that Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge area (about an hour and a half drive from Lexington via I-64 East and Mountain Parkway) are so popular for hiking. The state park has a sky lift if you need a break from walking, or if you'd simply enjoy a bird's eye view. 

Smile at a crocodile. It's actually an alligator, but if you're heading to Natural Bridge, reptile fans in the family will want to stop at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, which is chock full of snakes, lizards and other slimy, crawly, or scaly creatures. Call ahead: 606-663-9160.

Bluegrass Note: While in the Bluegrass, you might want to try the locally made soft drink, Ale-8-1, invented and bottled in Winchester, Kentucky. Parents, be forewarned: It does contain a solid jolt of caffeine.

Great Places to Play

Get creative. Lexington's Creative Playgrounds take swinging and climbing to new levels. The massive play structures at Jacobson Park, off Richmond Road, and Shillito Park, off Reynolds Road, include wooden towers, bridges, cars, even a lighthouse. They're perfect for when the younger kids want to run and play--and you want to rest.

Explore the great indoors. You can offer your kids an indoor climbing adventure at L'escalade Fitness on North Broadway (859-523-0518). Daily passes include gear.

Bounce to the Moon. Finally, somewhere that encourages kids bouncing off the walls. Our local trampoline parks offer kids warehouse-sized rooms filled with giant trampolines. Call ahead to reserve space at Sky Zone on Boston Road, and bring socks. 859-629-4455. Brannon Road has another popular trampoline park, called Get Air. 859-629-4455.

Tweak your board. If words like ollie, nollie and melancholy mean something to you (or your kids), you'll probably want to head off to the skatepark in Woodland Park at the corner of East High and Kentucky Avenue. Bring your helmet. The park is open dawn to dusk. 859-288-2900.

Accelerate the action. At Malibu Jack's Family Fun Center, a Nascar-style go-kart speedway, one of the largest arcades in Kentucky, mini-golf and a café can keep the whole family busy all day long.  2520 Nicholasville Rd. (859) 687-0401.

Bluegrass Note: Look mom, a castle! Yes, there really is a real castle between Lexington and Versailles. It was started as a private residence, but remained vacant and unfinished for almost forty years, making it the subject of much local rumor and speculation--not to mention plenty of drive-by gawking-over the years. It’s now a luxury hotel and event venue. You can't miss it--just take Versailles Road (U.S. 60) west from Lexington. You can dine at the restaurant. Call ahead: 859-879-1000.

Old-Fashioned Fun

Take ’em down on the farm. The family that picks together, sticks together, right? Even city kids will enjoy a trip to the country for fresh apples and apple cider, pumpkins, corn and other goodies at Eckert's Boyd Orchard, located near Versailles (859-873-3097) and Evans Orchard (502-863-2255) near Georgetown. Both have produce your kids can pick themselves. 

Be sweet. How about a little treat to go with your farm-fresh fruits and veggies? Take a tour of a real-life candy factory at Rebecca Ruth Candies, 116 E. 2nd St., Frankfort (502-223-7475). It's free for kiddos age five and under.

Do the pioneer thing. Youngsters love the pioneer schoolhouse and other old-timey stuff at Old Fort Harrod State Park in Harrodsburg (859-734-3314) and Fort Boonesborough State Park near Richmond (859-527-3131). At Fort Harrod, there's also a huge Osage Orange tree that's perfect for climbing. Fort Harrod and Boonesborough are open April through October.

Follow tracks of all sizes. Have a train lover in your house? Head to Woodford County (west of Lexington via U.S. 60) for all kinds of old-timey train fun. A fascinating collection of model trains and other playthings from the past is on display at Wanda and Winfrey Adkins' Nostalgia Station Toy and Train Museum, at 279 Depot Street in Versailles. The museum is housed in a renovated early 1900s railroad station. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (859-873-2497). On weekends, spring through fall, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum runs vintage train excursions from Woodford County Park. The eleven-mile ride takes you through scenic Bluegrass countryside. The schedule also includes plenty of themed excursions, ranging from a staged train robbery to a "Clown Train." Call for times and schedule. 859-873-2476 or 800-755-2476.

Make a historic crossing. Valley View Ferry is a rare relic: an old-fashioned paddle wheel ferry that carries cars across the Kentucky River between Fayette and Madison County. There aren't too many ferries like this anymore, and there aren't many businesses of any type that are this old: the Valley View started operating in 1785, seven years before Kentucky became a state. To find it, take Tates Creek Road (KY 169) south from Lexington. Just like in the old days, if the river’s too high, the ferry doesn't run. Call 859-624-4748 for the ferry hotline.

Young at Art

Watch others act up. Theater enthusiasts will love catching a Lexington Children's Theatre performance. Thirteen plays are presented throughout the season. Lexington Children's Theatre has been offering live shows to young people since 1938! (859-254-4546 or 800-928-454). 

Arts and sciences. Created in the late 1960s to promote arts and science education, the Living Arts & Science Center is a favorite place for young Lexington residents to take classes in everything from cartooning to nature study. Visitors can stop by and see what's on exhibit in the center gallery--it could be paintings, sculpture or something scientific. Plus, there's a planetarium. Something for every interest! The center is housed in a historic mansion at 362 N. Martin Luther King Boulevard in downtown Lexington. 859-252-5222.

Bluegrass Note: Alert the kids to the possibility of a blue horse sighting. Legend has it that a horse nicknamed "Big Lex" turned blue from grazing in Kentucky’s delicious and nutritious bluegrass pastures his entire life. Be on the lookout for him as you drive the back roads around Lexington, Kentucky--and swing by the Visitors Center for some blue Big Lex gear for the whole family.

Old-School Stand-bys

Putter about. What's a family vacation without a round or two of miniature golf? Check out the three 18-hole Bible-themed courses at the Lexington Ice Center (560 Eureka Springs Drive, 859-269-5681) or battle the traditional windmills and loop-the-loops at White Haven Miniature Golf and Driving Range (100 Yorkshire Blvd., 859-263-5310).

Go around and around. Year-round, you can go roller skating at Champs Entertainment Complex, 297 Ruccio Way in Lexington. And when your youngsters get tired of skating, they have laser tag and putt putt, too! (859-268-3888). For ice skaters, you can take to the ice at the Lexington Ice Center from fall through spring at 560 Eureka Springs Drive. (859-269-5681)

Stay out of the gutter. Collins Bowling Center adds to the 50's vibe of the Southland shopping and dining area. If the kids are having trouble sleeping, maybe all-night Cosmic Bowling is your answer. 859-277-5746. (Malibu Jack’s has a bowling alley, too!) 

Gifts, Toys and More

Go shopping. If you’re going to go shopping with kids, go big. Lexington is home to the largest mall in the state: Fayette Mall on Nicholasville Road, with over 200 stores and restaurants. Kids of all ages will find something they like here--little ones will especially enjoy the Build a Bear Workshop, where they can create their own stuffed animal "from scratch." The Summit at Fritz Farm is another huge shopping area, just across the road from the mall. Kids will love the interactive, Kentucky-themed play area, which happens to be located very close to plenty of terrific food options, including the Shake Shack.

A real page-turner. If your children love to read (or you would love them to), plan to stop at Joseph-Beth in The Mall at Lexington Green, also on Nicholasville Road. Joseph-Beth was named America's Best Bookstore by Publisher's Weekly, and is one of the largest bookstores in the nation. Joseph-Beth Kids, located on the lower level, is like a store-within-a-store. There's a large selection of books, toys, games, and educational materials, with a seating area for those who want to read on the spot. The store sponsors many special events for readers of all ages. 859-273-2911.

Explore the local library. There’s nothing stuffy about Lexington's public library system. With six Lexington Public Library branches, there’s probably one nearby, and they offer an astonishing number of activities for kids of all ages--everything from board games, photography workshops and art projects to story time. Call (859) 231-5500 and find out what’s going on while you’re in town. 

Family Fare

Lexington has hundreds of restaurants, from fast to fancy, including most of the popular fast-food and family chains (yes, there's a Chuck E. Cheese's, 1555 New Circle Road, 859-268-1800, and Monkey Joe's, 1850 Bryant Road, 859-264-0405). Here are a few local originals that are especially kid-friendly:

Ramsey's Diner has a casual, homey atmosphere, a down-to-earth menu (you can even get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich), and is lively and noisy--just the kind of place kids love. There's even a toy box to help entertain young diners. Parents will love the friendly service, reasonable prices and well-prepared "comfort foods." There are several Ramsey's locations: 151 West Zandale, 4053 Tates Creek Road, 3090 Helmsdale Place and 4391 Old Harrodsburg Road.

If your family likes pizza or Italian food, you'll want to check out Joe Bologna's, 120 W. Maxwell (859-252-4933), close to both downtown and the University of Kentucky campus. Joe B's is a Lexington institution, famous for its pizza and its delicious, dripping-with-butter breadsticks. Youngsters will also enjoy the decor: the restaurant is located in a renovated church, and you can even dine in the choir loft overlooking big stained-glass windows.

Gattitown, 2524 Nicholasville Road (859-277-2323) gives new meaning to "drive through dining”--they have bumper cars! Watch cartoons in the Fun Flicks room or sports in the Sports Room. Play video games in the Game Room. All this and a great pizza buffet, too.

And if you’re looking for a kid-friendly dining experience without sacrificing quality, check out Poppy and Olive, a relaxed, judgement-free restaurant-within-a-restaurant located inside Epping’s on Eastside that offers kid-friendly table activities (including house-made play-doh!) and waitstaff who understand the ins and outs of dining with little ones.

Free Things To Do

Woman at Art Gallery

Mural Challenge

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